Critter Camp Counselor (Seasonal summer position)

Richmond, VA - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 12 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Full-time Temporary

Description

Seasonal position (May 20 August 28 2026)

Reports to Manager of Humane Education

The Richmond SPCA is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Richmond Virginia. As a leader in the field of animal welfare we are cultivating a community committed to saving protecting and enriching animal lives with a mission to provide education and resources to achieve and sustain a no-kill community. Annually we rescue rehabilitate and find homes for about 4000 homeless animals while also providing our region with vital safety net programs designed to keep thousands of pets in loving homes and out of shelters. Our values of collaboration creativity honesty inclusion and respect guide not only what we do but how we do it.

Critter Camp Counselors serve as the primary adults responsible for children during our summer and winter camp programs. Critter Camp activities include arts and crafts learning about an animal shelter and a veterinary hospital operates learning to train their own pets and more. Each camp session includes time with the cats and dogs in our care.

Essential Functions

Supervise campers at all times prioritizing safety while following camp policies set forth by the Manager of Humane Education and the Chief Advancement Officer
Serve as a positive role model for campers
Work to ensure that all campers are comfortable and feel included
Communicate with coworkers and management about incidents involving campers
Assist in organizing and leading group activities throughout each week
Supervise children attending Critter Camp
Ensure the camp areas are kept clean and organized
Maintain open and regular communication with the Manager of Humane Education
Alert management when camp supplies may be running low
Other related duties as assigned

Qualifications Skills and Expectations

Alignment with the Richmond SPCAs mission to achieve and sustain a no-kill community including promoting pet adoption and spaying/neutering and to utilizing reward-based positive reinforcement (R) training methods
Effective professional and empathetic communication (written and verbal) with the public volunteers and all Richmond SPCA employees
Attitude that contributes to a welcoming accessible compassionate and respectful atmosphere
Previous experience with children or relevant education
Uncompromising commitment to the wellbeing of children attending camp
Public speaking skills
Creative resourceful positive get-it-done attitude
Ability to multi-task take and follow directions and adapt to and productively accommodate changing demands all with excellent attention to detail
Punctuality and reliability are essential as well as good time management and prioritization skills
Able to work independently in a mature professional and productive capacity and as part of a team
Maintain confidentiality as requested

Requirements

Have daytime availability Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May 20 to August 28 (somewhat flexible end date) including attending all required trainings and meetings before and during Critter Camp
Have reliable transportation including during inclement weather
Be 18 years of age or older

Physical Job Requirements

Comfort handling or learning to handle both dogs and cats
Able to safely work with animals (including those who are sick or injured or who have behavior challenges)
Able to work around loud noises cat litter animal waste and various chemicals
Able to be on your feet for extended periods of time
Able to routinely lift 25 lbs.
Able to push/pull a large cart
Able to kneel and stoop and have physical strength to perform cleaning duties effectively and efficiently

Work Environment

Supportive collaborative team environment that encourages and celebrates creativity and resourcefulness
Rapid pace with exposure to potential hazards including animal waste allergens (pet dander peanut butter) and disinfectants
Potential for animal bites and scratches and diseases that are zoonotic (can be transmitted from animals to people)
Potential for exposure to common childhood illnesses and conditions including but not limited to flu RSV hand foot and mouth disease head lice and COVID-19
High levels of noise at times

Richmond SPCA employees are eligible to become clients of our low-cost full-service Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital and have access to an Employee Assistance Program.

Salary Description

$16 per hour 40 hours per week (seasonal)

Full-time TemporaryDescriptionSeasonal position (May 20 August 28 2026)Reports to Manager of Humane EducationThe Richmond SPCA is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Richmond Virginia. As a leader in the field of animal welfare we are cultivating a community committed to saving protec...